This lively text offers a brief; readable description of our common Western heritage as it began in the first human societies and developed in ancient Greece and Rome; then through the Middle Ages. Providing a tightly focused narrative and interpretive structure; Brian A. Pavlac covers the basic historical information that all educated adults should know. His joined terms “supremacies and diversities†develop major themes of conflict and creativity throughout history. “Supremacies†centers on the use of power to dominate societies; ranging from warfare to ideologies. Supremacy seeks stability; order; and incorporation. “Diversities†encompasses the creative impulse that produces new ideas; as well as the efforts of groups of people to define themselves as “different.†Diversity creates change; opportunity; and individuality. These themes of historical tension and change—whether applied to political; economic; technological; social; or cultural trends—offer a bridging explanatory organization. The text is also informed by five topical themes: technological innovation; migration and conquest; political and economic decision making; church and state; and disputes about the meaning of life. Throughout; judicious “basic principles†present summaries of historical realities and primary source projects offer students the chance to evaluate differing points of view about the past. Written with flair; this easily accessible yet deeply knowledgeable text provides all the essentials for courses on Western Civilization.
#1227361 in Books Continuum 2009-06-16 2009-06-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 233.93 x 20.47 x 6.14l; 1.50 #File Name: 1441181296392 pagesContinuum
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Indispensable to understanding history of astrologyBy S. Roherin the West. Anyone interested in this topic owes a huge debt of gratitude to Nicholas Campion f for the enormous dedication and the high quality of scholarship. He is well-grounded in philosophical; social and political trends that influenced how and why astrology has played various roles throughout history; He also provides an excellent historical overview of key figures in the development and evolution of astrology in the West; locating them in their times.12 of 13 people found the following review helpful. A Magnificent OverviewBy Stuart SchulzHaving just completed Volume One; and now far into Volume Two; I stand in awe at this man's ability to wade through an ocean of conflicting and confusing history; involving philosophy; religion and social upheavals; and somehow never lose cite of his central thesis--the ebb and flow of astrological beliefs. And all in very readable prose; carefully documented; and largely unbiased. Of course; with such a broad overview; and with so many influences and trends to dissect and analyze; there is no doubt that experts in individual fields may quibble about certain points and generalizations. But that doesn't detract from the value of this encyclopedic work. Whether you believe in Astrology or not; noone can deny that Astrology has played a major role in the intellectual and psychological life of Man since the beginning of time; and a respectful interest in its development is certainly warranted. And noone does it with such clarity; insightful prose; and ability to cut a clear path through the jungle of intellectual ideas than Campion; in two massive volumes of scholarship. I took a summer to read these two volumes; re-reading many passages again and again; and dont regret a moment of the effort. This is great writing; not just great scholarship.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. InformativeBy Michael CunninghamA very well researched and informative history.
